First Claim

means for determining a plurality of health parameters, each indicative of the physical condition of a patient;

means for prompting the patient with selected messages;

means for storing a prescribed parameter schedule for selected ones of the health parameters;

means for storing a prescribed medication schedule for at least one medication;

first means for automatically controlling the prompting means to request the patient to use the determining means to determine selected ones of the health parameters in accordance with the prescribed parameter schedule and for automatically storing the determined health parameters in a composite log;

second means for automatically controlling the prompting means to request the patient to take medication in accordance with the prescribed medication schedule;

means for automatically recording in the composite log information indicative of patient compliance with the prescribed medication schedule; and

means for automatically transmitting the composite log to a central location for analysis by trained medical personnel;

said composite log providing information indicative of both the determined health parameters and patient compliance with the prescribed medication schedule at the central location, thereby assisting the trained medical personnel in assessing the health of the patient.

5 Assignments

0 Petitions

Accused Products

Abstract

A personal health monitor includes sensors for measuring patient weight, temperature, blood pressure, and ECG waveform. The monitor is coupled to a central unit via modems and includes a computer which is programmed to prompt a patient to take prescribed medication at prescribed times, to use the sensors to measure prescribed health parameters, and to supply answers to selected questions. Medication compliance information, test results, and patient answers are compiled in a composite log which is automatically transmitted to the central unit. The computer is also programmed automatically to disconnect the monitor from an alternating current power source and to rely on internal battery power during certain periods of patient-monitor interaction, such as during use of the ECG module. In this way, danger to the patient and complexity of the ECG module are minimized. The computer is also programmed to compare measured test information with predetermined expected values, and in the event of a discrepancy, to collect additional information from the patient to assist trained personnel at the central unit in interpreting the composite log. The computer is also programmed to alert the central unit promptly in the event one or more measured parameters falls outside of a prescribed normal range. The normal range for a given parameter is made to vary in accordance with the measured value of one or more other parameters in order to reduce the incidence of false alarms.